UP starts new safety campaign

Union Pacific has launched a billboard campaign aimed at encouraging drivers and pedestrians to cross tracks only at approved railroad crossings.

At the center of the campaign are billboards that include important safety tips, such as "Always expect a train," "Trains travel 41 feet in the blink of an eye. Look again" and "Some shortcuts cut your life short." The campaign also features Spanish-language billboards with the phrase "Cuidado con el tren," (Use caution around trains).

The messages will be displayed on billboards during the next six months in 12 cities, including: Houston, San Antonio, Ennis, Laredo, Lufkin, and Midland, Odessa, El Paso, Texas; and Plaquemine, La., Fresno, Calif., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. and Chicago, Ill.

"The safety of our employees and the communities in which we live and work is our number one priority," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific executive vice president of operations. "Engaging people with these billboards will support our broad public outreach and education activities as we strive to foster safe behaviors and safe communities."

The billboards will raise awareness that a train could be using the railroad tracks at any time and to always approach them with caution. Union Pacific encourages drivers and pedestrians to follow all laws regarding grade crossings and railroad safety.